Discovering the Village of Sombra

In this blog post, we'll take a quick look at the Village of Sombra and its earliest settlers/growth and take a look at the Sombra ferry's history.

The village wasn't always known as Sombra; in its earliest inception, the village was called "Lewisville." The earliest settler were Abraham Smith and Samuel H. Burnham in 1821. Lela Sutcliff related in an article in the London Free Press on March 11, 1961 that "1835 was the year the nucleus of the present village began and the first few houses to comprise it were erected." Samuel Burnham's son, Morgan Lewis Burnham, did much of the original construction; because of this, Lewis Burnham was considered the "father" of the village and it was dubbed "Lewisville" in his honour. It was some years later that the name should switch to Sombra. The village would blossom as a town hall valued at $1,800.00 was built in 1867.

The ferry has a rich and interesting history. The first ferry in Sombra was The Silent, a sailboat run by Samuel Whiteley. When there wasn't any wind, he would use a rowboat to ferry customers across the river. He charged 10 cents a round trip. An old Irish woman is reported to have gotten on his case for those exorbitant prices, cornering him with this gruff statement: "You just take a stick in your hand and charge 10 cents for that?!" (Gazette, November 18, 1981). A second ferry was opened by William Bell and taken over by the American Joe Miller, causing competition for Whiteley's operation. It is rumoured that during one exceptionally sore argument, each ferry would only go to the middle of the river, where passengers were made to switch boats! The feud would end when Whiteley eventually bought out his American competitor.

To learn about establishments and events in Sombra if you feel like going for a visit, check out the website Discover Sombra Village. Don't miss the Sombra Museum if you go visit!

If you would like some extra details about what the Village of Sombra had to offer in 1856, please look over this excerpt from an article that appeared in the Toronto Leader, April 28, 1856:

Grand land sale by public auction, in the village of Sombra, at the town of Port Sarnia, on Thursday inst., 200 town lots of the above Village...

The local advantage of the Village, in addition to those already mentioned, are great; it being situated half-way between the towns of Port Sarnia and Chatham, the County Towns of Kent and Lambton - and the principal depot for supplying wood to the innumberable fleet of Steamers continually plying the noble river in front...

The Township of Sombra, of which this Village is the first center, is the best Township of land in the County of Lambton and is fast filling up with enterprising and industrious settlers. The Village has only been in existence three years, and already contains four Merchant's Shops and a large Hotel with as good accommodations as any west of London, one Blacksmith Shop, Tin Shop, Tailoring and Shoe Shops, Tannery, School House and Church... and is the principal place of import and export for a considerable portion of the County.

Remembrance Day Reflections, The Petrolia Cenotaph

This Remembrance Day, the Lambton Room has chosen to highlight one of Lambton County's WWI memorials: the cenotaph in Petrolia's Victoria Park.

The cenotaph in Petrolia was unveiled on September 24, 1922. Designed by Toronto sculptor Emmanuel Hahn, it features symbolic detailing like the cross the figure is holding, the flag draped behind him and the poppies and chains at his feet.

Advertiser-Topic, Sept. 28 1922, p. 1

The ceremony to celebrate the unveiling began at 2pm, and the program issued to attendants read on the front cover: "Erected in Memory of the Boys from the Municipalities of Petrolia and Enniskillen Who Laid Down Their Lives in the Great War." Hymns and patriotic songs were played by the Petrolia Citizen's Band; Mayor Preston gave the opening address; and the actual unveiling of the cenotaph (by Major Fairbank) was followed by a general salute. The Advertiser-Topic reported on September 28 that, while the day dawned brightly, "the mercury feel and a strong wind arose, which... did not prevent the gathering of an immense crowd" as citizens attended the important event.

The main address was given by Reverend William Raithby, pastor of Petrolia Baptist church who served for three and a half years during WWI and was a well-respected member of the community. His address included the following:

We are here to unveil and dedicate this memorial to those who, courageously enlisting, turning aside from life's prospects and enjoyments and daring to stem the tide of hate that threatened to engulf the world, passed by the way of death and did not return.

The monument should remind us that the freedom, peace and safety we enjoy have been secured at a price greater than which no man can pay. [Advertiser-Topic, Sep. 28, 1922 p. 1, 3]

In 1916 Petrolia opened a recruiting station for the 70th Battalion. Featured below is a picture of recruits standing in front of the station. From left to right, their names are: Jack C. Reid, Clayton McRitchie, Verne Mandeville, -----, Leo Kelly, Major C.O. Fairbank, Smith (from Buffalo), Lt. Tom Murray, Bloss Scott, -----, Ross McRae, Bill Balls, and Murray McQueen. [the gentleman in the bowler in the background is Mr. Fisher, caretaker of the Masonic Temple]. Two of those names are now listed on the Petrolia Cenotaph: Verne Mandeville and Murray McQueen never returned from the Great War.

This Remembrance Day, take a moment to reflect on the men who were lost in the County of Lambton and across Canada.

 

 

Ontario Genealogical Society's 50th Anniversary

The Ontario Genealogical Society celebrated its 50th birthday on October 15. Here is some background and history on the non-profit corporation that promotes the study of genealogy across Ontario.

Founded in 1961, the Ontario Genealogical Society developed with the sponsorship of the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario at the University of Waterloo. Dr. G.E. Reaman served as the OGS's first president. The society published its first newsletter, Bulletin, in August of 1962; it would continue to be published three times a year until 1968, when it became a quarterly. The mid-1960s were a period of growth, with the OGS's first seminar on April 18, 1964 (with 125 individuals in attendance) and the adoption of a constitution in 1966. Membership broke the 250 barrier by February of 1967.

1871 Census Indexing Announcement

In 1971, the OGS had already established five branches: Toronto, London, Hamilton, Ottawa and Bruce-Grey. New branches would develop across the country over the following years. By the 25th anniversary in 1986, the OGS had 5,000 members in 25 branches; annual seminars with distinguished speakers; quarterly newsletters to keep members informed; and several indexing projects on the go, including work with the 1871 Census of Canada.

The OGS continues to work on interesting and genealogically important projects, including the transcription of cemetery tombstones and inventories of records from places of worship.

Poster from Lambton Branch 10th Anniversary

The Lambton Branch of the OGS was founded in 1984. Branch members are currently involved in a variety of interesting projects, including the indexing of birth, marriage and death notices from local newspaper the Petrolia Advertiser Topic. A recent investment in sophisticated scanning technology shows a determination to preserve the past while maintaining a connection with the new digital age.

The OGS has a proud history and is always happy to welcome new members. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the OGS is encouraging individuals across Ontario to donate copies of their family histories, to better consolidate and preserve the excellent genealogical research that has been conducted across the province.

Happy Birthday, OGS!

Books on Wheels! History of the Lambton County Library Bookmobile

Lambton County's first bookmobile or "book-van" in Wyoming, c. 1935.

The Lambton County Library Bookmobile has a storied and intriguing past which began in the early 1930s. Sarnia librarian Dorothy Carlisle initiated a book-van ("trailer attached to an auto") to circulate new and interesting books between Lambton's library branches. An article that appeared in the Windsor Daily Star on September 11, 1937 proclaimed, "Circulation of  books in Lambton County and other districts that have adopted the county circulating library system has increased as much as 300 per cent in the last five years... the Lambton County Library Association book-van... has 18 points of call in the county, and makes the rounds four times a year." The article closed by noting, "The book-van, a small, two-wheeled trailer with built-in shelves, pulled by auto, is welcomed by groups of eager readers as it calls at every county unit..." This marks the beginning of the Bookmobile legacy in Lambton County.

County librarian R.M. Donovan, 1949.

In 1949, newly appointed county librarian R.M. Donovan purchased a new bookmobile with expanded capacity that could carry 1,500 to 2,000 books. In his article "Lambton County Centennial, 'Our Bookmobile,'" which apepared in the Ontario Library Review, Donovan gives this colourful description of the new bookmobile: "Compared with the bookmobiles of Kent or Middlesex, the next-door neighbours, Lambton takes a back seat for beauty in the colour scheme. But the lack of beauty is well compensated for by the almost lurid contrast of canary yellow on dark green, which leaves no doubt in the seers mind as to the vehicle's identity even if seen in a mirage."


Promotional material for new bookmobile, 1949.

 On February 8, 1950, the Forest Free Press published an article praising the new bookmobile for increasing reading material to Lambton County's schools. Servives were now available for seventy of Lambton's schools in Bosanquet, Warwick, Brooke, Euphemia, Dawn and Enniskillen. While bookmobile service continued to schools for decades, this would not always be the case. Controversy erupted in the early 1990s when, after Sarnia-Clearwater joined the county system in January 1991, the library systems suggested  service to county schools should be halted for budgetary reasons. A flurry of newspaper articles followed, including an article on February 7, 1991 in the Observer, "School boards continue pressure to keep bookmobile in operation," which said, "Teachers and trustees with both school systems have argued that the regular visits by the bookmobiles to 24 elementary schools are important to the students." Teachers arranged petitions and students wrote letters, but to no avail; bookmobile service to schools was shut down.

Picture submitted by Lambton elementary school student, 1990.

Despite some controversy in its past, the Bookmobile continues to operate in Lambton County today and offer services to residents. Visit the Bookmobile website for a list of FAQs and the Bookmobile's current schedule. The Bookmobile continues to provide new and interesting material to locations across Lambton County.

Lambton County Library Bookmobile, behind Sarnia Library in 2011.

A Foreign Affair: Upcoming Book Launch and Theatre Presentation at the Oil Museum of Canada

Foreign Driller Fever is upon us! One of Lambton County's most interesting chapters will be coming to life at the Oil Museum of Canada at the end of the month.

Author Gary May (who wrote one of the definitive works on foreign drillers, Hard Oiler) is launching his newest book, The Scent of Oil. He chose the Oil Museum of Canada as the location for his book launch, which will occur from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Friday, September 30. The Oil Museum of Canada is proud to sponsor the event with Gary May and is working in conjunction with Culture Days, a celebration of Arts and Culture from coast to coast.

Gary May noted about his new book, "The Scent of Oil is the true-life adventure of how two Petrolia families joined the trek of the Foreign Drillers to Galacia." At the book launch, you will have the opportunity to meet members of the Perkins and Nicklos families whose ancestors played such an interesting role in oil history. Who knows, you may even meet a foreign driller, or his wife! (portrayed by members of the Petrolia Community Theatre). The afternoon will also feature a Q&A session and light refreshments. Enjoy the experience free of charge.


That evening, make sure you have acquired a special passport to see the Petrolia Community Theatre re-enact true stories about Canada's Foreign Drillers. The performance will take place on museum grounds, with a special appearance by "Sisters by Choice" for your musical entertainment. The event goes on rain or shine! The special passports are available by advance purchase only at a cost of $10.00.

So what's the big deal about Foreign Drillers? Well, from 1874 to the 1930s men who had worked and trained in the oil fields of Lambton County traveled the globe to practice their trade. Many of the skills and techniques they had honed in Lambton County were exported to other countries around the world, including but not limited to Germany, Borneo, Venezuela and Egypt. To hear some of their stories, visit the Oil Museum of Canada's website and browse Black Gold: Canada's Oil Heritage.

The History of Lambton's Fall Fairs

Fall Fairs are a time-honoured rural tradition throughout Ontario. The earliest agricultural society was formed at Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1792. Other societies followed, and they would hold fairs with butter, cheese and maple sugar. In 1834, a prize was offered for "Best Servant!"

While there used to be as many as eight fairs active in Lambton County, that number has decreased to the remaining five: Plympton and Wyoming; Petrolia and Enniskillen; Brigden; Forest; and Brooke and Alvinston. Taking place over roughly a month's span from early September to October, fall fairs give local residents an opportunity to celebrate achievements and spend time with neighbours. These activities have been going on in Lambton County for over 150 years. Allow me to provide you with some information about the interesting histories of Lambton's fall fairs!

Credit for the oldest fall fair goes to Plympton and Wyoming, an Agricultural Society who held their first fair in 1846 on John Fisher's farm, at lot 14, concession 8, Plympton Township. In 1907, the fair was moved to Thames Street in Wyoming, and later to Main Street; a hall was erected in 1911. In 1926 additional land was purchased to use as a racetrack, but races were discontinued in 1947 because they were considered a safety hazard.

The Brigden Fair is now a four-day event

The first Brigden Fair was held in 1850 at Riley's Tavern and featured only cattle and horses. For the next four decades, the location would alternate between Mooretown and Corunna, and later between Courtright and Brigden, until settling into the current grounds in 1889. Prior to 1928, only Moore residents could be exhibitors; however, "Open to the World" was declared that year and exhibits were opened to an unlimited area.

Prize List, 1889

The Enniksillen Agricultural Society was organized in 1876. By 1888, the society had acquired three and a half acres of land in the Petrolia village limits, erected buildings, and were conducting an annual fair. Financial records from 1888 show a volume business of $782.1 and a net profit of $5.25!

Forest had its first fair in 1870 at the corner of Broadway and Main Street; it was later moved to a drill shed. In 1874, twelve acres of land were purchased at the south-west corner of the town. This would be named the Forest Pleasure Park and served as fair grounds until the present park was bought in 1909. Early Forest fairs emphasized livestock but had prizes for bread, maple sugar and other culinary arts.

Poster for the Forest Fair

Alvinston's society originated in or about 1867; unfortunately, early records have not been preserved so it is difficult to get a picture of the society's earliest years. We know that a livestock show was held in October, 1875. There was no admission fee to the open grounds, but they did charge ten cents to enter the township hall, where grains, vegetables and ladies' work were being displayed.

Other fairs that are no longer running have equally interesting histories. The Florence agricultural society dates back to 1863. They held their first fair in 1910 after purchasing a white frame barn that was renovated with two wings and an upstairs area to form a Crystal Palace. A driving track was added in 1911, and in 1913 Fansher Church was purchased for $75.00, and the lumber was used to construct a grandstand. Thedford's society was organized even earlier in 1859. Tradition says fairs were held on the ridge road a few miles west of town but no records can confirm. When a fair was held on October 1, 1889, there was more than two feet of snow on the ground!

Fair season is now upon us, so be sure to get out to your fair and support the local community. The season kicks off with the Petrolia and Enniskillen Fall Fair September 9 and 10. The County of Lambton's Cultural Services Division will have a booth at all the upcoming fairs, so visit us to learn all about the county's libraries, museums and galleries! See you there.

New History Website! The Township of Warwick: A Story Through Time

In partnership with the Warwick Township History Committee, the Township of Warwick and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture's Museums and Technology Fund, the Lambton Room is proud to present a new history website! The Township of Warwick: A Story Through Time is a brand new website that brings together fascinating information about the township's history into one convenient location.

The website has its roots in the publication The Township of Warwick: A Story Through Time, which was compiled and released by the Warwick History Township Committee in 2008. That book provides an overview of Warwick Township's history from prehistoric times through the First and Second World Wars. Additionally, the book contained specific information about the families that have shaped and influenced Warwick Township.

The new website features digitized versions of all the content and photographs from the book (see the "History" tab on the website for the book chapters). Additionally, all the information about the various families is indexed and listed ("Families Index").

There was a lot of information, photographs, and history of Warwick Township that did not have the chance to get included in the book. The website has provided us with a platform to make those additional resources from the Lambton Room archives widely available. Browse historic postcards, letters or newspaper clippings! We also have video clips of interviews with local residents and businesses, and audio clips coming soon. You could spend days browsing through the photo albums and still have more pictures to see! The Google Gallery is one of my favourite aspects of the website. It pairs historic photographs with cutting edge technology by putting historic snapshots beside Google Street View. It gives you an opportunity to compare how streetscapes and landscapes have evolved over time.

Most importantly, this website will continue to evolve. The forums encourage users to post their own memories of Warwick Township's history or make additional comments about photographs/documents that are on the wesibte, if they recognize names or faces that aren't already identified. Our Uploading section is an excellent opportunity for individuals with photos or documents to upload digitized copies, which will add to our understanding of the township's history and become integrated into the material already posted on the website. In this way, the website continues to collect Warwick Township's history and spark interest in its stories.

Although there is already amazing material on the website, it will continue to grow and expand as people share their knowledge and passion about Warwick Township's history with us. Visit http://www.warwickhistory.ca today!